Rivet block including integrated rivet feed bores

ABSTRACT

A method and rivet apparatus comprise a rivet block, the rivet block comprising a rivet block, a pin bore, and a rivet feed bore. The rivet block is comprised of a top end and a bottom end. The pin bore includes a top end and a bottom end and is disposed within the rivet block. The pin bore extends from the top end to the bottom end of the rivet block and guides a rivet pin that slides downward within the pin bore to push a head of a rivet into a workpiece. The rivet feed bore includes a top end and a bottom end and is disposed within the rivet block. The rivet feed bore extends from the top end to the bottom end of the rivet block, accepts the rivet at the top end of the rivet feed bore, and guides the rivet to the bottom end of the rivet feed bore. The rivet feed bore intersecting the pin bore between the top end and the bottom end of the pin bore at an oblique angle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/971,929 filed on Feb. 8, 2020, entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR COUPLING FASTENER HARDWARE TO A BRACKET”, and claimspriority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/031,882filed on May 29, 2020, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COUPLING FASTENERHARDWARE TO A BRACKET”, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates in general to coupling systems and methods, andmore particularly, to a system and a method for coupling fastenerhardware to a bracket.

2. Background Art

In many applications it is necessary to join components together througha riveting operation. In one particular field of assembly, fastenerhardware (including, but not limited to fastener hardware that issometimes referred to as a nutplate) are utilized to join components. Insuch configurations, fastener hardware is riveted to brackets and thenstructures are attached to the fastener hardware.

The formation of rivet openings in brackets and the riveting of fastenerhardware is often a labor-intensive process. Additionally, for manyassemblies, multiple quantities of fastener hardware are mounted to asingle bracket and the process is repeated many times to make theoverall assembly.

Problematically, it is often difficult to quickly and expeditiously formthe openings for the rivets and to economically apply the rivets.Additionally, it is often difficult to modify equipment to handledifferent types of fastener hardware and differently configuredbrackets.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed to a rivet apparatus comprising a rivetblock, the rivet block comprising a rivet block, a pin bore, and a rivetfeed bore. The rivet block is comprised of a top end and a bottom end.The pin bore includes a top end and a bottom end and is disposed withinthe rivet block. The pin bore extends from the top end to the bottom endof the rivet block and guides a rivet pin that slides downward withinthe pin bore to push a head of a rivet into a workpiece. The rivet feedbore includes a top end and a bottom end and is disposed within therivet block. The rivet feed bore extends from the top end to the bottomend of the rivet block, accepts the rivet at the top end of the rivetfeed bore, and guides the rivet to the bottom end of the rivet feedbore. The rivet feed bore intersects the pin bore between the top endand the bottom end of the pin bore at an oblique angle.

In at least one configuration, the rivet is a first rivet, the rivet pinis a first rivet pin, the pin bore is a first pin bore, the rivet feedbore is a first rivet feed bore, and the rivet block further comprises asecond pin bore and a second rivet bore. The second pin bore is disposedparallel to the first pin bore and includes a top end and a bottom endand is disposed within the rivet block. The second pin bore extends fromthe top end to the bottom end of the rivet block, and accepts a secondrivet pin that slides downward within the second pin bore to push a headof a second rivet into the workpiece. The second rivet feed boreincludes a top end and a bottom end and is disposed within the rivetblock. The second rivet feed bore extends from the top end to the bottomend of the rivet block, accepts the second rivet at the top end of thesecond rivet feed bore, and guides the second rivet to the bottom end ofthe second rivet feed bore. The second rivet feed bore intersects thesecond pin bore between the top end and the bottom end of the second pinbore at an oblique angle.

In some configurations, the rivet apparatus further comprises a couplingbase. The rivet block is coupled to the coupling base via quick connectcouplings to releasably couple the coupling base to rivet block.

In some configurations, the rivet apparatus further comprises a positionsensor to provide dynamic information relative to a stack-up thicknessof the workpiece.

In some configurations, the rivet apparatus further comprises a couplingbase and a biasing member. The biasing member is disposed between thecoupling base and the rivet block, and provides a spring force betweenthe coupling base and the rivet block.

In some configurations, the biasing member is at least one of a spring,a pneumatic cylinder, and a gas shock.

In some configurations, the oblique angle is approximately 20 degrees.

In some configurations, the rivet block is moveable toward a fixed endof the rivet pin such that the rivet pin stops flush with the second endof the rivet block.

In some configurations, the rivet apparatus further comprises a rivetretainer disposed at the bottom end of the pin bore. The rivet retaineris biased to retain the rivet, the biasing being overcome by movement ofthe rivet pin.

In some configurations, a system includes the rivet apparatus, thesystem further comprises a drill apparatus coupled to the rivetapparatus via a housing.

In some configurations, a distal end of the rivet pin is approximately asame width as a head of the rivet.

In some configurations, the rivet apparatus further comprises a lowerriveting portion to deform a tail end of the rivet so as to expand thetail end to be wider than a shaft of the rivet.

In some configurations, the lower riveting portion includes a deformingpin, corresponding to the rivet pin, to deform the tail end of therivet.

In some configurations, the rivet feed bore extends beyond a first endof the rivet block, the rivet feed bore sliding into and out of a rivetfeed tube when the rivet feed block moves upward and downward,respectively.

In some configurations, the rivet block includes an upper portion and alower portion, with a biasing member disposed between the upper portionand the lower portion.

The disclosure is also directed to a method of riveting a workpiece. Themethod comprises guiding, by a pin bore, a rivet pin that slidesdownward within the pin bore to push a head of a rivet into a workpiece,the pin bore including a top end and a bottom end, disposed within arivet block, and extending from a top end to a bottom end of the rivetblock. The method further comprises guiding, by a rivet feed bore, therivet to a bottom end of the rivet feed bore, the rivet feed boreintersecting the pin bore between the top end and the bottom end of thepin bore at an oblique angle, the rivet feed bore including a top endand a bottom end, disposed within the rivet block, extending from thetop end to the bottom end of the rivet block, and accepting the rivet atthe top end of the rivet feed bore.

In some configurations of the method, the rivet is a first rivet, therivet pin is a first rivet pin, the pin bore is a first pin bore, andthe rivet feed bore is a first rivet feed bore. The method furthercomprises guiding, by a second pin bore, a second rivet pin that slidesdownward within the second pin bore to push a head of a second rivetinto the workpiece, the second pin bore including a top end and a bottomend, disposed within the rivet block, and extending from the top end tothe bottom end of the rivet block. The method further guiding, by asecond rivet feed bore, the second rivet to a bottom end of the secondrivet feed bore, the second rivet feed bore intersecting the second pinbore between the top end and the bottom end of the second pin bore at anoblique angle, the second rivet feed bore including a top end and abottom end, disposed within the rivet block, extending from the top endto the bottom end of the rivet block, and accepting the second rivet atthe top end of the second rivet feed bore.

In some configurations of the method, the oblique angle is approximately20 degrees.

In some configurations of the method, the method further comprisesproviding, via a position sensor, dynamic information relative to astack-up thickness of the workpiece.

In some configurations of the method, the rivet block includes an upperportion and a lower portion, the method further comprising biasing, by abiasing member, the upper portion and the lower portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric cut view of an example rivet block, inaccordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an example system including anexample rivet apparatus and an example drill apparatus, the rivetapparatus including the rivet block shown in FIG. 1. In accordance withat least one configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates another isometric view of the rivet apparatus shownin FIG. 2, in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another isometric view of the rivet apparatusshown in FIG. 2, in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates blow feed compensators of the rivet apparatus shownin FIG. 2, in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 6 illustrates rivets extending below the rivet block shown in FIG.2, in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a first position of the rivet blockshown in FIG. 1 pushing against a workpiece, in accordance with at leastone configuration;

FIGS. 8 illustrates a side view of a second position of the rivet blockshown in FIG. 1, in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 9 illustrate a side view of the rivet block against the workpiece,in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 10 illustrate another side view of the rivet block pushing againstthe workpiece, in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 11 illustrates another isometric view of the rivet block and a cutview of the coupling base, in accordance with at least oneconfiguration;

FIG. 12 illustrates another cut view of the coupling base shown in FIG.11, in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the rivet block shown in FIG.1, in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 14 illustrates rivets being inserted into the workpiece, inaccordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 15 illustrates the rivet block continuing toward the workpieceshown in FIG. 14, in accordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 16 illustrates rivet pins of the rivet block, shown in FIG. 1,pushing the rivets shown in FIG. 15 fully into the workpiece, inaccordance with at least one configuration;

FIG. 17 illustrates the deforming pins deforming tails of the rivetsshown in FIG. 16, in accordance with at least one configuration; and

FIG. 18 illustrates an example workpiece, including an example bracketand example fastener hardware, and an example rivet, in accordance withat least one configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment(s) in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail aspecific embodiment(s) with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intendedto be limited to the embodiment(s) illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components,referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by likereference characters. In addition, it will be understood that thedrawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and someof the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposesof pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, an apparatusis disclosed, such as a rivet block 150. The rivet block 150 includes anupper portion 151 and a lower portion 155, the lower portion 155 movingup and down relative to a stationary upper portion 151. The rivet block150 is the type of apparatus that can be used with a rivet apparatus 12(FIG. 2). In at least one configuration, a system 200 can include adrill apparatus 11 and the rivet apparatus 12, and in at least oneconfiguration the drill apparatus 11 being coupled to the rivetapparatus 12 via a housing 13, as shown. It will be understood that therivet apparatus 12 is utilized to couple a fastener hardware 501 (e.g.,nut plate) (FIGS. 14-18) to a bracket 502 (FIGS. 14-18), togetherforming a workpiece 500 (FIG. 18), via fasteners, such as rivets 161,171, with the rivets 161, 171 securing the fastener hardware 501 to thebracket 501.

The fastener hardware 501 includes a base flange 510 having an uppersurface 520 and a lower surface 522. A centrally located cylinder 514extends from the upper surface 520 of the of the base flange 510 andincludes bore 515 extending therethrough. A pair of opposing rivetopenings 512 are disposed on opposing sides of the centrally locatedcylinder 514. The bracket 502 is coupled to fastener hardware 501 whichcorresponding openings 512 and bore 515 by extending rivets through theopenings 512 to couple the same together. It will be understood that anumber of different configurations exist for the fastener hardware andthe brackets. Additionally, it will be understood that the particularassembly of the present disclosure is not limited for use in associationwith such brackets, hardware or rivets.

Each of the rivets 161, 171 include a head end 161A, 171A and a tail end161B, 171B, respectively. In the example shown, the heads 161A, 171A arecountersink type heads such that the heads 161A, 171A are configured tosit flush with the bracket 502 once installed, as shown in FIGS. 16 and17. In at least one other configuration for the rivets 161, 171, theheads 161A, 171A can be round heads, such that the heads 161A, 171A canbe disposed on a surface of the bracket 502. The configuration of thefastener hardware 501, the brackets 502 and the rivets discussed hereincan be varied and the disclosure is not limited to any particularconfiguration of any of these components.

The rivet apparatus 12 includes a riveting assembly 116 (FIGS. 3, 4,7-10) as comprising an upper riveting portion 140 and a lower rivetingportion 180. The upper riveting portion 140 further includes a couplingbase 142 and the rivet block 150. The upper riveting portion 140positions one or more rivets, such as rivets 161, 171, for riveting theworkpiece 500, while the lower riveting portion 180 deforms a tail endof the one or more rivets, such as rivets 161, 171, so as to expand thetail ends to be wider than a shaft, disposed between the head ends andthe tail ends of the rivets, such as rivets 161, 171, thereby rivetingtogether two portions of the workpiece 500, details of which arediscussed in more detail below. Although two portions of the workpiece500 are disclosed herein, the fastener hardware 501 and the bracket 502,one skilled in the art would appreciate that the workpiece 500 caninclude more portions that the example disclosed. Typical rivetapparatus utilize a driving motion from a bottom of a workpiece. Incontrast to typical rivet apparatus, in at least one configuration therivet apparatus 12 can utilize driving motion from only a top of theworkpiece 500, with the lower riveting portion 180 remaining stationary.Thus, the rivet apparatus 12 is able to rivet the workpiece 500 withouta driving motion from a bottom of the workpiece 500, saving complexityand associated costs. In other configurations, the rivet apparatus 12can also include a driving motion from a bottom of the workpiece 500,without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In at least one configuration, the coupling base 142 is coupled to theupper portion 151 of the rivet block 150 in a releasable manner, suchvia quick connect couplings 143. It is contemplated that the quickconnect couplings 143 may be utilized where the coupling base 142 can bedetached from the upper portion 151 of the rivet block 150 without toolsby an operator of the rivet apparatus 12. This simplified removal allowschangeout for different versions of the quick upper riveting portion140, such as for ones including more or less rivet pins that the examplerivet apparatus 12 shown, for different size rivets, etc. In at leastone other configuration, the coupling base 142 may be fixedly coupled tothe upper portion 151 of the rivet block 150, or may be removable withthe use of tools or the like.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that the rivet block 150includes first and second rivet pins 144, 146 that are coupledsubstantially centrally to and disposed within the upper portion 151,such that the lower portion 155 slides up and down on the first andsecond rivet pins 144, 146 relative to the upper portion 151. The firstrivet pin 144 and the second rivet pin 146 are coupled to and disposedwithin the upper portion 151 in a generally parallel spaced apartconfiguration (generally corresponding to the spacing between the rivets161, 171), as shown. The first and second rivet pins 144, 146 are alsodisposed perpendicular to a first end 150A of the upper portion 151 suchthat rivets 161, 171 are pushed at a perpendicular angle into thefastener hardware 501 and the bracket 502 from the head end of therivets 161, 171. The first rivet pin 144 includes a fixed end 144B,fixed to the upper portion 151, and a distal end 144A, and the secondrivet pin 146 includes a fixed end 146B, fixed to the upper portion 151,and a distal end 146A. The distal ends 144A, 146A, of the first andsecond pins 144, 146, respectively, push against the head ends 161A,171A of the rivets 161, 171, respectively, to push the rivets 161, 171into the fastener hardware 501 and the bracket 502. In at least oneconfiguration of the rivet apparatus 12, the distal ends 144A, 146A ofthe first and second rivet pins 144, 146 are approximately a same widthas heads of the rivets 161, 171, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

The rivet block 150 further includes the first end 150A and a second end150B. In at least one configuration of the rivet apparatus 12, the lowerportion 155 of the rivet block 150 is moveable upward and downward suchthat the first and second rivet pins 144, 146 stop flush with the secondend 150B of the rivet block 150, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, althoughin other configurations the first and second rivet pins 144, 146 do notstop flush based on the configuration of a rivet and a bracket beingriveted. The rivet block 150 includes pathways or bores through whichthe rivets 161, 171 traverse and additional pathways or bores throughwhich the first and second pins 144, 146 traverse. In at least oneconfiguration of the rivet apparatus 12, the rivet block 150 includes afirst pin bore 152 and a second pin bore 154, each extending from thefirst end 150A to the second end 150B of the rivet block 150. The firstpin bore 152 includes a top end 160 and a bottom end 162.

The rivet block 150 further includes a first rivet bore 164 and a secondrivet bore 174, each extending from the first end 150A to the second end150B of the rivet block 150. The first rivet feed bore 164 is coupled toand is oblique to the first pin bore 152 (e.g., approximately 20 degreeangle therebetween), intersecting the first pin bore 152 between the topend 160 and the bottom end 162. Other angles are possible dependent upona configuration of rivet locations on the workpiece 500. Typically,rivets are fed into a typical rivet block though couplings that aredisposed on sides of this typical block. This typical configurationresults in inconsistent rivet feeds into the typical rivet block becauseof motions of this typical rivet block during use. Disposing the firstand second rivet feed bores 164, 174 within the rivet block 150, that isintegrated within the rivet block 150 as disclosed herein, at leastmitigates such problems associated with typical rivet feeds.

The spacing of the first and second rivet pins 144, 146 is dependentupon the particular fastener hardware and bracket being riveted. Oneskilled in the art would also appreciate that the rivet apparatus 12 isan example of such an apparatus, and that the rivet apparatus 12 caninclude less rivet pins (e.g., one) than the example rivet apparatus 12or more rivet pins (e.g., three or more) than the rivet apparatus 12,dependent upon the particular fastener hardware and bracket beingriveted. Thus, the example spacing between the first and second rivetpins 144, 146 shown is configured to correspond to the example fastenerhardware 501 and bracket 502, shown in detail in FIGS. 14-18, thedisclosure not limited to such examples.

In at least one configuration of the rivet block 150, the spacingbetween first pin bore 152 and the second pin bore 154 (which alsochanges the spacing between the first and second rivet pins 144, 146)can be either closer together than that shown, or farther apart thanthat shown, without changing a location of the first and second rivetfeed bores 164, 174. Such changing of a distance between the first andsecond pin bores 152, 154, without changing a distance between the firstand second rivet feed bores 164, 174, will likewise change the obliqueangle therebetween. Thus, the rivet block 150 can be easily modified,with changing a distance between the first and second pin bores 152,154, without changing a location of the first and second rivet feedbores 164, 174. This easy of modification of the rivet block 150 hasparticular application to the aerospace industry where differentfasteners have small deviations with respect to a distance between theirrivet openings, although such easy of modification can be applied toother industries.

Similarly, the second pin bore 154 includes a top end 170 and a bottomend. As with the first pin bore 152, the rivet feed bore 174 is coupledto and is oblique to the second pin bore 154 (e.g., approximately 20degree angle therebetween), intersecting the second pin bore 154 betweenthe top end 170 and the bottom end 172. In other configurations, thesecond pin bore 154 can have a different angle than the first pin bore152. It will be understood that rivets 161, 171 can be directed throughthe rivet feed bores 164, 174, respectively, and into position proximatethe bottom ends 162, 172 of the respective first and second pin bores152, 154. In at least one configuration of the rivet apparatus 12, aquick connect coupling (not shown) can be utilized to couple a feed line(not shown) to each of the rivet feed bores 164, 174. The lower portion155 of the rivet block 150 can include a lower position (FIGS. 3, 4, 7,9, 11, and 13) and an upper position (FIGS. 1, 8, 10). In at least oneconfiguration, first ends 164A, 174A of the first and second rivet bores164, 174, respectively, extend beyond a first end 150A of the rivetblock 150 (FIG. 1). With this configuration, the first and second rivetfeed bores 164, 174 slide into and out of first and second rivet feedtubes 1101, 1102 (FIGS. 11, 12) when the lower portion 155 of the rivetfeed block 150 moves upward and downward, respectively. To mitigate therivets 161, 171 hitting any hard edges while traveling from the couplingbase 142 to the rivet block 150, tops of the first and second rivet feedbores 164, 174 can include tapered lead-ins. In at least oneconfiguration of the coupling base 142, first and second mechanicalseals 1103, 1104 (e.g., spring loaded seals) can be disposed within thefirst and second rivet feed tubes 1101, 1102 to seal the first andsecond rivet feed tubes 1101, 1102 to the first and second rivet feedbores 164, 174.

The first pin bore 152 and the second pin bore 154 are spaced apart fromeach other such that the distal end 144A of the first rivet pin 144extends into the first pin bore 152 and the distal end 146A of thesecond rivet pin 146 extends into the second pin bore 154. In at leastone configuration of the rivet apparatus 12, slots (not shown) can beformed in each of the first and second pins 144, 146, respectively, asshown. Additional pins (not shown) can be disposed to extend through theslots, respectively, and fixed to the upper portion 151 of the rivetblock 150. When the first and second pins 144, 146 move up and downrelative to the lower portion 155 of the rivet block 150 the additionalpins control limits of the slidable movement of the first and secondpins 144, 146 relative to the pin bores 152, 154 of the rivet block 150.

The lower rivet portion 180 is shown as including a fixed base 181, asupport member 182, and a deforming mechanism 189. The support member182 is coupled to a fixed base 181. In at least one configuration, thesupport member 182 is releasably coupled to the fixed base 181, such viaquick connect couplings 183. In other configurations, the support member182 can be fixedly coupled to the fixed base 181, such as via fasteners(e.g., bolts). The fixed base 181 can also be removable and replaceableto accommodate different geometries of different brackets. Likewise, theriveting assembly 116 can be removable and replaceable with changes inpitch and rivet diameter. As such, the relatively heavy fixed base 181can be changed with less frequency (i.e., when geometry necessitates),while for many changes, only the riveting assembly 116 is changed out.In other configurations, both the riveting assembly 116 can be a singleassembly that is changed out.

The deforming mechanism 189 is coupled to the support member 182 andextends substantially perpendicularly upward from the support member182. In operation of the rivet apparatus 12, once rivet openings 503,504 have been formed (e.g., drilled via the drill apparatus 11) for thebracket 502, the bracket 502 and the fastener hardware 501 can be joinedwith use of the rivets 161, 171. Specifically, the fastener hardware 501is mounted onto the lower rivet portion 180. In particular, the fastenerhardware 501 is positioned so that it is centered on the deformingmechanism 189, with a bottom surface 505 of the fastener hardware 501facing upwardly, as shown in FIGS. 14-17. A top surface 506 of thefastener hardware 501 rests on a top of the deforming mechanism 189,such that the deforming pins 190, 195 extend into holes of the fastenerhardware 501 and the rivet openings 503, 504 of the bracket 502 to alignsuch holes for riveting with the rivets 161, 171, as shown in FIGS. 14and 15.

Next, the bracket 502 is introduced onto the bottom surface 505 of thefastener hardware 501, such that openings rivet openings 507, 508 withinthe bracket 502 align with the rivet openings 503, 504, respectively, ofthe fastener hardware 501. Once properly aligned, the rivets 161, 171can be blown or otherwise directed through the first and second rivetfeed bores 164, 174 of the rivet block 150. The rivet apparatus 12 canfurther include blow feed compensators 310, 320 (FIG. 5) that areactuated to blow the rivets 161, 171 through the first and second rivetfeed bores 164, 174 of the rivet block 150. Sensors 311, 321 can bedisposed above the blow feed compensators 310, 320, respectively, toverify a position of the blow feed compensators 310, 320 prior to blowfeeding to ensure a solid connection at a break point between the blowfeed compensators 310, 320 and the rivet block 150, that occurs at abase of the first and second rivet feed tubes 1101, 1102.

In at least one configuration of the rivet apparatus 12, the rivet block150 further includes first and second rivet retainers 178, 179 disposedat the bottom ends 162, 172 of the first and second pin bores 152, 154,respectively. The first and second rivet retainers 178, 179 can includemovable jaws or the like positioned with the first and second rivet feedbores 164, 174 to retain the rivets 161, 171, which movable jaws or thelike being biased together to so retain the rivets 161, 171. Thisbiasing can be overcome by the movement of the first rivet pin 144 andthe second rivet pin 146 against the respective rivets 161, 171. FIG. 4illustrates the rivets 161, 171 extending through the bottom end 150B ofthe rivet block 150, retained by the first and second rivet retainers178, 179, providing a visual indication to the operator of the rivetapparatus 12 that the rivet block 150 is ready to rivet the workpiece500, and that the rivet block 150 can be moved toward the workpiece 500.As a safety precaution, rivet sensors 401, 402, which in at least oneconfiguration can be disposed proximate to the rivets 161, 171,respectively, can be used to verify that that the rivets 161, 171 are intheir proper location and ready to rivet the workpiece 500, as shown inFIG. 6. Although FIG. 6 shows the rivets 161, 171 extending below therivet block 150, in other configurations the rivets 161, 171 can remainentirely within the rivet block 150 prior to riveting.

The rivet apparatus 12 is activated so as to move the rivet block 150toward the lower riveting portion 180. As the rivet block 150 movestoward the lower riveting portion 180, eventually, a second end 150B ofthe rivet block 150 engages with the bracket 502 (FIG. 9) sandwichingthe bracket 502 between the upper riveting portion 140 and the lowerriveting portion 180, at which point the rivets 161, 171 get pushedupward by the deforming mechanism 189. Eventually, the rivets 161, 171are pushed by the rivet block 150, first into the bracket 502 and thenthe fastener hardware 502and into the deforming mechanism 189. That is,the first and second pins 144, 146 continue driving the rivets 161, 171downward into the bracket 502 and the fastener hardware 501, toward thedeforming mechanism 189.

In at least one configuration of the rivet block 150, the rivet block150 includes one or more bias members 156 disposed between the upperportion 151 and the lower portion 155 to providing biasing against therivet block 150 as it moves upward. It will be understood that in someconfigurations of the rivet apparatus 12, these one or more biasingmembers 156 can be a spring, and in other configurations the one or morebiasing members can be other than a spring. For example, pneumaticcylinders, gas shocks or other biasing structures can be used instead ofsprings, without limitation, as are various types of springs can be usedas biasing members. When the rivet block 150 is not engaged against theworkpiece 500, these one or more biasing members 156 pushes the upperportion 151 of the rivet block 150 away from the lower portion 155 ofthe rivet block 150. Thus, the one or more biasing members 156 aredisposed between the coupling base 142 and the lower portion 155 of therivet block 150 and providing a spring force between the coupling base142 and the lower portion 155 of the rivet block 150.

The rivet block 150 reaches a point where it is pushed upward by thelower rivet portion 180, pushing upwards on the rivets 161, 171 (FIGS. 7and 10). The rivet block 150 continues to push downward, at which pointthe rivets 161, 171 are fully seated into the bracket 502 (FIG. 16). Inat least one configuration of the deforming mechanism 189, the deformingmechanism 189 can include deforming pins 190, 195, corresponding to therivet pins 144, 146, to deform the tail ends 161B, 171B of the rivets161, 171. The deforming pins 190, 195 of the deforming mechanism 189forms a substantially flat coplanar forming surface, deforming the tailends 161B, 171B of the rivets 161, 171 (FIG. 17), respectively, therebysandwiching and joining together the fastener hardware 501 and thebracket 502. The first and second rivet pins 144, 146 push on the heads161A, 171A of the rivets 161, 171 while the deforming pins 190, 195 pushon the tails 161B, 171B of the rivets 161, 171. Once the workpiece 500has been riveted, the upper riveting portion 140 can then move from itslowest position (FIGS. 7 and 10) to its home position or upmost position(FIG. 8), at which point the rivet apparatus 12 is ready to rivetanother workpiece 500.

A position sensor 132 (e.g., Linear Variable Differential Transformer(LVDT)) can be disposed within the coupling base 142, or other sensorcan be utilized to provide dynamic information relative to the stack-upheight or thickness of the different configurations of the workpiece500, such as a stack-up height or thickness of the fastener hardware 501and the bracket 502. In other configurations, a number of other sensorscan be utilized in place of the position sensor 132 to measure thestack-up height or thickness of the different configurations of theworkpiece 500. It will be understood that an amount of force and anamount of movement of the lower portion 155 of the rivet block 150 canbe controlled by a sensor, such as the position sensor 132. Oncecomplete, the riveting assembly 116 can be retreated from the workpiece500 so that an operator of the rivet apparatus 12 can remove the joinedbracket 502 and fastener hardware 501 from the rivet apparatus 12.

It will be understood that different riveting assemblies can be providedfor different fastener hardware and brackets. For example, the rivetopenings may be positioned further or closer to each other in differentconfigurations, the rivet openings may be larger or smaller, there maybe more or less rivet openings than the examples shown herein, etc.Additionally, the rivets may be longer or shorter, wider or narrower,etc., as the thickness of the fastener hardware and the bracket may belonger or shorter. Thus, a user can easily change the lower rivetportion 180 and the upper rivet portion 140 to accommodate for differentfastener hardware and the brackets, such as without the use of tools.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the disclosureand the disclosure is not limited thereto except insofar as the appendedclaims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have thedisclosure before them will be able to make modifications withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rivet apparatus comprising a rivet block, therivet block comprising: a top end and a bottom end; a pin bore includinga top end and a bottom end and is disposed within the rivet block, thepin bore extending from the top end to the bottom end of the rivetblock, the pin bore to guide a rivet pin that slides downward within thepin bore to push a head of a rivet into a workpiece; a rivet feed boreincluding a top end and a bottom end and is disposed within the rivetblock, the rivet feed bore extending from the top end to the bottom endof the rivet block, the rivet feed bore to accept the rivet at the topend of the rivet feed bore and guide the rivet to the bottom end of therivet feed bore, the rivet feed bore intersecting the pin bore betweenthe top end and the bottom end of the pin bore at an oblique angle. 2.The rivet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rivet is a firstrivet, the rivet pin is a first rivet pin, the pin bore is a first pinbore, and the rivet feed bore is a first rivet feed bore, the rivetblock further comprising: a second pin bore, disposed parallel to thefirst pin bore, including a top end and a bottom end and disposed withinthe rivet block, the second pin bore extending from the top end to thebottom end of the rivet block, the second pin bore to accept a secondrivet pin that slides downward within the second pin bore to push a headof a second rivet into the workpiece; and a second rivet feed boreincluding a top end and a bottom end and disposed within the rivetblock, the second rivet feed bore extending from the top end to thebottom end of the rivet block, the second rivet feed bore to accept thesecond rivet at the top end of the second rivet feed bore and guide thesecond rivet to the bottom end of the second rivet feed bore, the rivetfeed bore intersecting the second pin bore between the top end and thebottom end of the second pin bore at the oblique angle.
 3. The rivetapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling base, therivet block being coupled to the coupling base via quick connectcouplings to releasably couple the coupling base to rivet block.
 4. Therivet apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a positionsensor to provide dynamic information relative to a stack-up thicknessof the workpiece.
 5. The rivet apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a coupling base; and a biasing member, disposed between thecoupling base and the rivet block, to provide a spring force between thecoupling base and the rivet block.
 6. The rivet apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the biasing member is at least one of a spring, apneumatic cylinder, and a gas shock.
 7. The rivet apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the oblique angle is approximately 20 degrees.
 8. Therivet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rivet block ismoveable toward a fixed end of the rivet pin such that the rivet pinstops flush with the second end of the rivet block.
 9. The rivetapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rivet retainerdisposed at the bottom end of the pin bore, the rivet retainer biased toretain the rivet, the biasing being overcome by movement of the rivetpin.
 10. A system including the rivet apparatus according to claim 1,the system further comprising a drill apparatus coupled to the rivetapparatus via a housing.
 11. The rivet apparatus according to claim 1,wherein a distal end of the rivet pin is approximately a same width as ahead of the rivet.
 12. The rivet apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a lower riveting portion to deform a tail end of the rivet soas to expand the tail end to be wider than a shaft of the rivet.
 13. Therivet apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the lower rivetingportion includes a deforming pin, corresponding to the rivet pin, todeform the tail end of the rivet.
 14. The rivet apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the rivet feed bore extends beyond a first end of therivet block, the rivet feed bore sliding into and out of a rivet feedtube when the rivet feed block moves upward and downward, respectively.15. The rivet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rivet blockincludes an upper portion and a lower portion, with a biasing memberdisposed between the upper portion and the lower portion.
 16. A methodof riveting a workpiece, the method comprising: guiding, by a pin bore,a rivet pin that slides downward within the pin bore to push a head of arivet into the workpiece, the pin bore including a top end and a bottomend, disposed within a rivet block, and extending from a top end to abottom end of the rivet block; and guiding, by a rivet feed bore, therivet to a bottom end of the rivet feed bore, the rivet feed boreintersecting the pin bore between the top end and the bottom end of thepin bore at an oblique angle, the rivet feed bore including a top endand a bottom end, disposed within the rivet block, extending from thetop end to the bottom end of the rivet block, and accepting the rivet atthe top end of the rivet feed bore.
 17. The method according to claim16, wherein the rivet is a first rivet, the rivet pin is a first rivetpin, the pin bore is a first pin bore, and the rivet feed bore is afirst rivet feed bore, the method further comprising: guiding, by asecond pin bore, a second rivet pin that slides downward within thesecond pin bore to push a head of a second rivet into the workpiece, thesecond pin bore including a top end and a bottom end, disposed withinthe rivet block, and extending from the top end to the bottom end of therivet block; and guiding, by a second rivet feed bore, the second rivetto a bottom end of the second rivet feed bore, the second rivet feedbore intersecting the second pin bore between the top end and the bottomend of the second pin bore at an oblique angle, the second rivet feedbore including a top end and a bottom end, disposed within the rivetblock, extending from the top end to the bottom end of the second rivetblock, and accepting the second rivet at the top end of the second rivetfeed bore.
 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the obliqueangle is approximately 20 degrees.
 19. The method according to claim 16,further comprising providing, via a position sensor, dynamic informationrelative to a stack-up thickness of the workpiece.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 16, wherein the rivet block includes an upper portionand a lower portion, the method further comprising biasing, by a biasingmember, the upper portion and the lower portion.